Silver bell???

[tin-basher]

The Canadian snow is finally gone. First day detecting where an old hotel was, I found ( what I think) is the old reception bell. Its silver in content and weights over a pound. Could anyone tell if I'm right and how old this may be?? Is there any value because it is silver?Thank You in advance.....

 

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[nhbenz]

For accustical reasons I tend to doubt it's solid silver. Many of these are quadruple plated, but I don't recall seeing a solid silver one, but rather plated over brass or bronze.

 

[tin-basher]

Thank you.

 

[jewelerguy]

I don't think it is a bell at all. I don't see any hole for the plunger to go through. I believe it is the outer half of an ornate hollow door knob

 

[nhbenz]

I was about to mention that it's a door bell, rather than desk bell
Mechanical door bell: http://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/mechanical-twist-doorbell-eastlake-style?sc=25&category=424975
The one shown is a modern reproduction of your bell.
I presume this has/had a threaded portion inside to fasten it in place.
Its a very nice bell, does have have value and dates to around the 1880's.